How to Become a Product Tester

What would be a better job than using a product and testing its features, and above all, getting paid for it. This CareerStint article comes to your aid by disclosing how to become a product tester.

CareerStint Staff

There are many aspects related to the product testing part, other than just sitting at home and earning easy money. Obviously, you cannot expect to just sit at home, get a free product delivered at home, try it out, and earn thousands of dollars by just giving its review. This is not a simple task. So, let's learn what it is all about.

Why is it Required?

Product testing is an important part of any reputable organization or company that is into production. Consumer feedback is the most important aspect of product testing. It is very valuable for the organization, as it is this feedback that decides the fate of the product. The feedback may be responsible for both positive and negative publicity of the product. Thus, companies decide to rather hire product testers who can give a feedback of their products and publicize them as well, in a positive way of course. This way, they can also have an insight into the flaws of their product, from the consumer point of view.

What Type of Companies Go for it?

Right from the electronic products manufacturing companies to popular restaurant chains, there are various organizations that try out product testing. Consumer electronic goods manufacturing companies generally try to hire people who are good at trying out electronic appliances for testing purposes. But there is no such restriction with every company. There are even some popular shoe manufacturing companies that will pay you for trying out a new brand of shoes that they have just launched into the market. You have a variety of options to choose from. You don't have to compulsorily stick to trying out just one type of product. The range varies from kitchenware and furniture, to the latest gizmos and gadgets in the market.

How Do You Become One?

You don't have to approach companies and go through a rigorous recruitment process to be hired in as a product tester. If you are already working somewhere, you don't have to quit the job for getting into product testing. Obviously, for wearing a branded jersey or storing your food in a new storage facility, you don't have to quit your job. All you need to do is search for the right website that provides you with these opportunities. Remember, any website that asks you to pay some money to get into the job is most probably a spam website. You don't have to try out such websites, when you have a number of other websites that offer you with this opportunity for free. You have to just fill in your name, email id, address, and other such personal details in the website's registration form. You will also be provided with a list of categories. You can choose those categories that interest you. If you have an experience of working in a certain field that you are interested in, you will also be provided with the space to fill in your experience. What next? When a new product is launched into the market, which falls in one of the categories you are interested in, there are chances that the product will be sent to your doorstep. However, know that there are chances, but not definitely. This is because there must have been thousands of people who have registered into the website database. It's not possible for the organization to send in a sample of their product to each and everyone for free. However, many websites promise that a product will reach you within one month from the date that you have registered on.

How Do You Test the Product?

You use the product just like any other consumer. Use it as per the company guidelines or manual that has come along with the product, and check out if it fulfills all the promises made by the organization. If you find the product worthwhile, you have to publicize the product by word of mouth. You have to simply create a fuss about the product. If there is any negative feedback or improvements that you think are advisable, you need to report it back to the company.

Remember, product testing is generally taken in as a part-time job. It is not considered as a job that will help you lead a lavish life, but of course, it will help you grab a few extra bucks to enjoy. If you know how to write a product review, it will definitely work to your added advantage. Besides, as already mentioned, you are getting paid for using something just like a layman with no formal training, so it comes with not much hard work, but definitely some good cash.